Softening his attitude for the sake of his 87-year-old uncle, Eugene was prepared to make the oath of fidelity to the King, but on condition that he can stay in Marseilles as suffragan bishop to Fortun\u00e9, but not accept to be a bishop responsible for a diocese.<\/p>\n
\nSo once again it is my justifiable conclusion that nothing else is required of me but to remain in my present state, recognized as such by the Government, to which I don\u2019t refuse to take the oath, if it asks for it, as suffragan or vicar general of my uncle, since I have always had it as one of my principles, although it didn\u2019t want to believe it, that the ministers of the Church are established for the spiritual order only, that they must submit to what God permits, maintain peace by the influence of their holy ministry, avoid letting themselves be the instruments of any party whatsoever, be they legitimists or republicans, as that would be to compromise the Church, the defence of whose interests is their principal duty.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Eugene was prepared to take these steps only out of dedication for his uncle, on whom the diocese was weighing heavily<\/p>\n
\nMy determination in this position will make its impression, I think, on you and my uncle. My reasoning is based on principle, consistent always with the just affection I owe him and that I have pledged to him with all my heart. And why, after letting my conscience and head have their say, should I not let my heart speak too?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
His heart tells him that if he were to accept a diocese in another part of France, the separation from his loved ones would be too heavy.<\/p>\n
\nYes, anything that would separate me from so venerable and dear an uncle, from you and a very small number of others, would be of all exiles the least bearable, practically a death sentence. Who will say that I am obliged to make so many sacrifices?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Henri Tempier, 25 August 1835, EO VIII n 537<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Softening his attitude for the sake of his 87-year-old uncle, Eugene was prepared to make the oath of fidelity to the King, but on condition that he can stay in Marseilles as suffragan bishop to Fortun\u00e9, but not accept to … Continue reading